The mission of the Durham Public Library is to enrich the community by providing a gateway to ideas, information and enjoyment.

The Durham Public Library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights declaration adopted by the American Library Association. (See appendix 1 of Durham Public Library Policies)

The Board of Trustees is the governing authority for the library, with the Library Director as its administrator. Cooperatively, the Board of Trustees and the Library director review, plan and develop the policies that guide and govern library service for the Durham community.